The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a warning on February 11 to Filipinos against accepting overseas job offers that could lead to recruitment into foreign armed forces.
According to the DFA, participation in foreign wars places Filipinos in great danger and may result in serious legal consequences. It may also violate Philippine laws and result in loss of citizenship.
“We strongly advise Filipinos not to accept job offers abroad that involve recruitment into the foreign military, even if they are presented as regular civilian employment,” the DFA said in a statement.
The agency added that Filipino workers abroad should always verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and employers with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). It is also important to be vigilant against illegal or deceptive recruitment practices that could put their lives and well-being at risk.
The DFA statement follows reports of two Filipinos allegedly participating in the Russian-Ukrainian War. According to Ukraine military intelligence, one died in the Donetsk region while serving with Russian forces, and the other was captured as a prisoner of war. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is still investigating these incidents.
